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World Food Day 2016

The world aims to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. Addressing climate change is crucial to continuing the fight against hunger and achieving this goal. That's why the theme of World Food Day this year is "Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must, too."

Climate change is having a major impact on food security. Many of the 800 million people suffering from chronic undernourishment are small-scale farmers, fishers, and pastoralists who are hardest hit by higher temperatures and in weather-related disasters. These disasters are exacerbated by climate change and are increasing in frequency and intensity. Without concerted action to build resilience, many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable inhabitants will struggle to generate enough food and income to feed themselves and their families. Without food security, social and economic development is not possible.

Climate change also threatens the stability of food prices. Variable rainfall and temperatures, as well as extreme weather events, could result in a significant decline in yields for major crops (maize, wheat, rice, and soybeans) by the beginning of the next century. The effects of this decline on food prices and security could be widespread.

Climate change is undermining food production, while existing agricultural practices and patterns of agricultural development threaten the natural resources on which farming depends. Production, distribution, and consumption patterns have to change to address these complex challenges. There is a need to shift to sustainable food systems.

Related Focus Areas

The Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance III Project (FANTA) is a 5-year cooperative agreement between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and FHI 360. FANTA aims to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable groups through technical support in the areas of maternal and child health and nutrition in development and emergency contexts, HIV and other infectious diseases, food security and livelihood strengthening, agriculture and nutrition linkages, and emergency assistance in nutrition crises.